Judy Smith is one of the world’s foremost crisis management experts and the real-life inspiration behind the hit television series 'Scandal'. Widely described by The Washington Post as America’s best-known corporate fixer, she has spent more than 25 years advising presidents, world leaders, and Fortune 50 CEOs through moments of intense public, political, and reputational crisis. Her work sits at the intersection of power, perception and accountability, making her one of the most trusted voices in modern leadership and risk management.
Judy began her career in law and public policy, developing deep expertise in communication, legal strategy and political navigation. Her early work placed her at the centre of some of the most consequential events of recent history, including the Iran–Contra investigation, the 1991 Gulf War, the Los Angeles riots, and the prosecution of former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry. These formative experiences shaped her ability to remain calm, decisive and ethical under extraordinary pressure.
In 1993, Judy founded Smith & Company, establishing a new standard for crisis leadership and reputation management. Since then, she has advised some of the world’s largest and most influential organisations, including Amazon, Facebook, Sony, Walmart, United Healthcare and Panera. Her counsel has been sought during defining global moments, from the Enron congressional inquiry and the General Petraeus CIA scandal to the Sony hacking crisis and the World Health Organisation’s response to major health emergencies. She has also remained at the forefront of crisis advisory during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a speaker, Judy brings rare insight, authority and clarity to conversations about leadership in uncertainty. A frequent commentator on CNN, MSNBC, ABC, NBC and CBS, and a contributor to leading publications including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Fortune, she combines real-world experience with compelling storytelling. Author of Good Self, Bad Self and a board member of organisations such as Save the Children and Global Citizen, Judy equips audiences to lead with integrity, manage risk and protect trust when it matters most.
